Non-radiological Environmental Implications of Nuclear Energy

1980 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asit K. Biswas
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Power Production ◽  
Atmospheric Effects ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Aquatic Life ◽  
Habitat Alterations ◽  
Life Problems ◽  
Nuclear Power Production

Discussions on environmental implications of nuclear energy have so far been concentrated on radiological aspects: disposal of radioactive wastes, safety of nuclear power production, safe handling of plutonium, and problems associated with uranium mining. There are, however, several environmental issues associated with nuclear power production that are non-radiological in nature: thermal pollution and attendant effects on aquatic life, problems associated with land-use requirements, aesthetic considerations, habitat alterations, and atmospheric effects. These different non-radiological environmental implications of nuclear energy are reviewed.The paper concludes that, while there are some environmental problems which exist at present, and a few more could emerge in the future, all these problems appear to be solvable with the present state of technological development. The extent of environmental degradation can be significantly reduced by appropriate design and planning.

Detection of an unknown emission source in the Baltic Sea using the new oceanographic tracer U-233/U-236

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Hain ◽  
Ala Aldahan ◽  
Mats Eriksson ◽  
Robin Golser ◽  
Gideon M. Henderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Nuclear Weapons ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Global Fallout ◽  
Power Production ◽  
Nuclear Industry ◽  
Chemical Fractionation ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
Nuclear Power Production

<p><span>By analysing the two long-lived anthropogenic Uranium (U) isotopes U-233 and U-236 in different compartments </span><span>of the environment affected by releases of nuclear power production or by global fallout from nuclear weapons tests</span><span>, we showed that the corresponding isotopic ratios U-233/U-236</span><span> differ by one order of magnitude. Based on these experimental results which were obtained with the ultra-sensitive detection method Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, we suggested a representative ratio for nuclear weapons fallout of </span><span>U-233/U-236</span><span> =</span><span> (1.40 ± 0.15) ·10</span><sup><span>-2</span></sup><span> and (0.12 ± 0.01) ·10</span><sup><span>-2</span></sup><span> for releases from nuclear power production. Consequently, the </span><span>U-233/U-236</span><span> ratio not only </span><span>has the potential to become a novel sensitive fingerprint for releases from nuclear industry, but could also serve as a powerful oceanographic tracer due to the conservative behaviour of U in ocean water which does not suffer from chemical fractionation. </span></p><p><span>As a first application of this paired tracer, we studied the distribution of U-233 and U-236 concentrations in addition to I-129 in the Baltic Sea which is known to have received inputs of radionuclides from various contamination sources including the two European reprocessing plants, global fallout from weapons testings and fallout from the Chernobyl accident. Our data indicate an additional unidentified source of reactor U-236 in the Baltic Sea demonstrating the high sensitivity of the U-233/U-236 ratio to distinguish different emission sources in water mixing processes.</span></p>

Developing Operator Expertise on Nuclear Power Production Facilities and Oil & Gas Installations

2019 ◽  
pp. 849-871
Author(s):  
Margaret Crichton ◽  
Scott Moffat ◽  
Lauren Crichton
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Response ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Production ◽  
Continuous Operation ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Expertise Development ◽  
Actual Experience ◽  
High Hazard ◽  
Oil Gas ◽  
Nuclear Power Production

This chapter describes the current status of expertise development in nuclear power production and oil & gas facilities, for both routine operations and emergency response. These are two examples of industries characterized by continuous operation, high hazard, and complexity, where operators must have the capability to monitor systems and respond to potential threats. Both industries rely heavily on written procedures and procedural compliance, along with an awareness that unanticipated and often unprecedented events can emerge. Emergencies in these industries are extremely rare yet on-site operators must be able to make the shift from their routine operational role to responding to escalating situations. Directed training is frequently used to enhance operator expertise in the absence of actual experience, with simulator-based exercises increasingly being introduced. The chapter summarizes existing research into the content and format of the skills required by operators in these settings and highlights potential areas for future investigation.

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